Our Times honors Black Educators for Leadership and Community Impact

More than 30 nominations poured in from students, parents, colleagues, and community members for the inaugural Black Educator of the Year Awards hosted by Our Times. The awards were created to spotlight the underrecognized contributions Black educators continue to make across classrooms, childcare centers, and schools throughout the community.

Last month, Our Times invited the community to nominate outstanding educators in the following categories: Black Educator of the Year (Male), Black Educator of the Year (Female), and Early Childhood Educator of the Year. The response was overwhelming.

Winners were selected based on the number of nominations received as well as the strength of the nomination submissions, which highlighted each educator’s leadership, service, mentorship, and overall community impact. A recurring theme throughout the nominations was the passion and dedication Black educators demonstrate daily — often going above and beyond to support students.

2026 Honorees

The inaugural 2026 Black Educator of the Year honorees are:

• Keion Boyde
• Tashedah Adams
• Dawnn Sutton

Keion Boyde-2026 Black Educator of the Year (Male)

As a Behavior Technician and Athletic Coach at Lincoln School, Keion Boyde has become known as an educator, mentor, and leader dedicated to helping young people grow both inside and outside the classroom.

Community members praised Boyde not only for his commitment to students, but for the way he continuously creates opportunities that expose youth to leadership, culture, education, and personal growth. One nominator described him as “a caring and passionate leader” who has already made a significant impact in less than a year serving as president of Southern Indiana Mentoring Academy (SIMA).

Among the initiatives highlighted in his nomination was a recent educational trip Boyde organized for SIMA students from several schools to Nashville, Tennessee, where students visited the National Museum of African American Music and Tennessee State University. The experience gave students the opportunity to engage with Black history, culture, higher education, and future possibilities beyond their everyday environment.

Born in Gary, Indiana, and raised by a single mother, Boyde’s own life experiences have shaped his passion for mentorship and youth empowerment. Rather than allowing adversity to define his future, he committed himself to building a life centered on purpose, leadership, and service.

Boyde’s dedication to students and mentorship has earned him several honors, including Mentor of the Year in 2023, EVSC’s IEP Individual Exceptional Praise Award in 2022, and the SIMA Leadership Award in 2024. Through both education and athletics, he has built a reputation for teaching discipline, resilience, teamwork, and confidence to the next generation.

As one of the inaugural recipients of the Black Educator of the Year Award, Boyde represents the lasting impact Black educators and mentors continue to have on students, families, and the broader community.

Tashedah Adams-2026 Black Educator of the Year (Female)

For Tashedah Adams, education is about more than academics — it is about making students feel supported, capable, and seen.

Adams, who was named Black Educator of the Year (Female), has built a reputation within the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation for meeting students where they are and helping them believe in their potential. A graduate of Oakland City University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, Adams later pursued her teaching degree through the University of Evansville. She is entering her fourth year teaching English/Language Arts for grades 9–12 at the Academy for Innovative Studies after 12 years of service within EVSC.

Known as a passionate educator, mentor, and leader, Adams focuses on empowering students through encouragement, accountability, and meaningful relationships. Supporters say her classroom has become a place where students are motivated to succeed.

Among this year’s honorees, Adams received the highest number of nominations, with many praising her dedication to students who often face academic and personal challenges.

One nominator described Adams as a teacher who “shows up every day and is 100% here — not just physically, but emotionally and mentally.” Others highlighted the way she supports students with inconsistent attendance or academic struggles, refusing to let them give up on themselves.

“She has set a precedent that if you put in the effort, she won’t let you fail,” one nomination read. “She will pull students to her desk and help each one catch up so they can have a fighting chance to pass.”

Her impact can be seen in the success stories shared by colleagues and students alike. One nominator recalled how Adams worked closely with a senior who had nearly given up on graduating. Through consistent support and guidance, the student was able to recover credits and graduate alongside his classmates.

Supporters also praised Adams for creating an environment built on trust and respect.

“She always meets the children where they are,” one nominator wrote. “The kids respect her and work hard in her classroom.”

Whether helping students catch up academically, encouraging them through difficult circumstances, or simply providing a trusted presence, Adams continues to leave a lasting impact on the students and families she serves.

Dawnn Sutton- 2026 Early Childhood Educator of the Year

For nearly two decades, Dawnn Sutton has helped shape the lives of young learners at Joshua Academy Preschool through patience, compassion, and a deep passion for early childhood education.

Sutton, who was named Early Childhood Educator of the Year, has spent 18 years at Joshua Academy Preschool, where supporters say she has become much more than a teacher to her students.

“Dawnn has made an impact on her students by being not only their teacher, but also a mentor, confidant, and biggest cheerleader,” one nominator wrote.

Known for creating meaningful learning experiences for young children, Sutton says she finds joy in watching students “learn, grow, and shine throughout the school year.” Her favorite classroom activities include science and art, subjects that allow students to explore creativity and curiosity at an early age.

Supporters say Sutton’s dedication extends far beyond the classroom lessons she teaches each day. One nominator recalled accompanying Sutton on shopping trips where she regularly spent her own money on crafts, art supplies, and classroom materials to ensure her students had engaging experiences.

“She gives her resources of time and money because she loves her kids,” the nominator shared.

Those who nominated Sutton also emphasized the importance of recognizing early childhood educators, whose work often goes unnoticed despite the critical role they play in child development and family support.

“I think it’s important to note that early childhood educators are often overlooked, although their roles are critical for early development and support to parents,” the nomination stated.

Outside of the classroom, Sutton enjoys reading, walking, and spending time with her family and friends. She is the mother of three children — Jawan, Olivia, and Jeremy — and grandmother to two granddaughters, Isabell and Sofia.

Whether encouraging creativity through art projects, nurturing curiosity through science activities, or simply serving as a steady source of encouragement for her students, supporters say Sutton’s impact continues to be felt by the children and families she serves.

Educators Nominated

Black educators continue to play a vital role in shaping the future of our community. While the following individuals were not selected for this year’s top honors, we proudly recognize and celebrate each nominee for their impact on students and families.

We thank and honor all this year’s nominees:

Kerry Showers Jr.
Thaddeus Summers Jr.
Irese Obanor
Arvenenda McDonald

Khryssnee Madison
Wendy Chinn
Erica Outlaw
Natalie Sherman
Derek Hunter Jr.
Clifton Eubanks
Cornelius McDonald
Stacy Norman

The 2026 educator honorees and nominees will be recognized during the City-Wide Graduation Celebration at The Blacktop on Sunday, May 31, where award recipients will also receive a cash gift in recognition of their impact and service.

Our Times remains committed to highlighting the educators who continue to shape, uplift, and invest in the next generation.  Rev. Dr. Adrian M. Brooks Sr., publisher said this recognition is expected to continue annually to celebrate the lasting contributions of Black educators throughout the community.